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FIFA Women’s World Cup: what can we expect in the last 16?

The Women’s World Cup enters the business end of the competition on Saturday night as second round action gets underway in Canada. And you can watch every shot, every game, and every goal on the BBC, in what is shaping up to be a hugely enjoyable tournament. And with England beginning to find their rhythm, the big question on the nation’s lips is how far can Mark Sampson’s side go?

Germany v Sweden

Saturday 20 June at 20.45 on BBC Three

Arguably the pick of the second round ties takes place in Ottawa. There’s plenty of history between these two, the memory of Sweden’s loss to Germany in the semi-finals of Euro 2013 will still haunt head coach Pia Sundhage. And while two-time champions Germany will be favourites here, Sweden has every chance with Lotta Schelin in their strike force.

Highlights of Thailand v Germany

China PR v Cameroon

Sunday 21 June at 00:15 on BBC Red Button

China’s young team pit their wits against World Cup debutants Cameroon in Edmonton. Having missed out on qualification in 2011, China will be glad to have made it out of their group. But they face a plucky Cameroon team who, despite being the second lowest ranking team in the tournament, came from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1 and book a place in the last 16.

Highlights of Cameroon v Switzerland

Brazil v Australia

Sunday 21 June at 18:00 on BBC Red Button

A clash of styles at the Moncton Stadium should make for an entertaining game. Marta (FIFA World Player of the Year) and co with their samba flair face an athletic and tenacious Australian side. Brazil comfortably secured their progress into last 16 after just two games, while the Matildas battled it out with Sweden in a 1-1 draw to see them through.

Highlights of Australia v Sweden

France v Korea Republic

Sunday 21 June at 20.30 on BBC Three

Two geniuses of the game meet here. Chelsea’s talismanic midfielder, Ji So-yun, dubbed the ‘Korean Messi’, will take on the ‘female Zidane’ Lisa Necib, a player who can bamboozle defenders but is yet to find her stride so far. Pre-tournament favourites France clinched top spot in Group F by thrashing Mexico 5-0 in their last match.

Highlights of Mexico v France

Canada v Switzerland

Sunday/Monday 22 June at 00:00 on BBC Two

In Vancouver, the hosts will be hoping the partisan crowd can roar them to victory. Canada came into the tournament with high-hopes, but they’ve struggled at times with the pressure of playing on home turf. Switzerland scraped into the knockout stages with a meagre three points, but they’ll fancy their chances against the nervy Canucks.

Highlights of Netherlands v Canada

Norway v England

Monday 22 June at 21:30 on BBC Three

England are growing in confidence. Having lost to France in their first game, the Lionesses have stepped up a gear – sealing a place in the knockout stages with a 2-1 victory over Colombia. But Norway will be tricky proposition. Even Pellerud’s side held world number ones Germany to a 1-1 draw before going on to dismantle Thailand and Cameroon.

Highlights of England v Colombia

USA v Colombia

Tuesday 23 June at 00:50 on BBC Two

The USA’s attacking prowess might not be what it used to be, but their staunch defence could win them the tournament. The Americans’ standout performers of the tournament have been their rock-solid centre-backs: Becky Sauerbrunn and Julie Johnston. But don’t right off Colombia, they’ve already pulled off the shock of the tournament having beaten France 1-0 in the group stages.

Highlights of Nigeria v USA

Japan v Netherlands

Wednesday 24 June at 02:30 on BBC Two

The holders have gone quietly about their business as they prepare to face World Cup debutants Netherland in Vancouver . Japan’s 100% record is a stark contrast to the Oranje’s efforts, who battled their way into the knockout stages as one of the best third placed teams. Roger Reijners’ side will need to call on these fighting qualities if they’re to pull off a major upset here.